GB2139294A

GB2139294A - Omni-directional rotor

Info

Publication number: GB2139294A
Application number: GB08404279A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roland Store
Original assignee: PIONEER DHARMA VENTURES LIMITE
Current assignee: PIONEER DHARMA VENTURES LIMITE
Priority date: 1983-02-18
Filing date: 1984-02-17
Publication date: 1984-11-07
Also published as: GB8404279D0

Abstract

A rotor arranged to convert fluid flow from any direction into omni-directional rotary motion of the rotor comprises a number of rotor blades extending from an axis, for rotation about that axis, each blade having an outer folded portion which is folded back to trail behind the blade in operation, the fold line between the outer portion and the blade being angled relative to the axis so that it traces out a cone of revolution. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Omni-directional rotor This invention relates to an omni-directional rotor which will maintain a continuous rotation in the same direction in response to a linear fluid flow approaching the rotor from any direction. The rotor will operate in response to either moving liquids or moving gases.

The omni-directional wave rotor incorporates improvements in the form of the rotor and in the method of construction. Particularly but not exclusively the wave rotor provides a simple and direct means of extracting energy from the wave motion of the sea. When suitably mounted the wave rotor is responsive to the three basic motions of the wave surface, namely the rise of the water surface, the fall of the water surface and the forward motion of the wave crests. Each of the three aforesaid motions are converted by the wave rotor into a uni-directional rotational output, which may be used to drive an electrical generator or other apparatus.

Accordingiy the present invention provides a rotor device arranged to convert fluid flow motion from any direction relative to the rotor into rotary motion of the rotor, comprising a number of rotor blades extending from an axis, for rotation about that axis, each blade having an outer folded portion which is folded back to trail behind the blade in operation, the fold line between the outer patch and the blade being angled relative to the axis so that it traces out a cone of revolution in operation.

In order to promote a fuller understanding of the above and other aspects of the invention, some embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rotor embodying the invention, Figure 2 is an end view of the rotor of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a side view of the rotor of Figure 1, Figures 4, 5 and 6 are views of a second embodiment of the invention, Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 are views of a third embodiment of the invention, and Figures 11 and 12 are views of a fourth embodiment of the invention The embodiment of the invention in Figures 1 to 3, comprises a rotor 1, which has a transverse sectional form approximating in shape to the letter 'Z' or mirror image of the letter 'Z', thus forming two blades each with a folded back trailing outer portion; furthermore, in the longitudinal direction the rotor incorporates a taper such that, progressing from the broad end, the Z section diminishes in size in such a way that both outside edges converge symmetrically with respect to the central longitudinal axis. Thus it can be seen that the fold lines of the outer portions trace out a cone of revolution when the rotor rotates.Separate end shafts 2 and 3 are fitted to each end of the rotor in coaxial alignment with the central axis. The projecting extremity of each shaft is mounted in bearings so that the rotor may be secured, while remaining freely rotatable about the central axis.

In Figure 3 differing directions of axial flow of the surrounding fluid are indicated by arrows A and B respectively. When the rotor is subjected to flow in the direction of arrow A, the rotor will rotate as shown by arrow R in Figure 2. Likewise, when the flow is in the direction of arrow B the same rotation, R, will be maintained by the rotor.

The omni-directional rotor is also able to respond to all radial directions of fluid flow acting at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the rotor. Similarly the rotor is responsive to those directions of fluid flow which are part radial and part axial and which act at varying angles to the longitudinal axis of the rotor. It is evident, therefore, that the invention described herein will maintain a continuous rotation in the same direction when influenced by liquid or gaseous flow irrespective of the direction of that flow.

In common with other types of device used to extract energy from moving fluids, it is apparent that the omni-directional rotor may also be used as a means of imparting energy and/or movement to the surrounding fluid.

When the rotor is used to deliver power it is envisaged that a vortex will be generated in the surrounding fluid.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the invention in which the cone of revolution is flatter than with the previous embodiment, and in which there are five blades.

In this embodiment the rotor comprises a hub 4 to which blades 5 are attached by means of fixings such as rivets or bolts 6. The blades 5 are shaped and folded from sheet material whereas the hub 4 may be a casting or forging.

Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the invention.

Each blade of this embodiment is made of two laminated thicknesses and the rotor as a whole is constructed from three identically formed components made from sheet material of sufficient thickness. With reference to Figure 8, it can be seen that component 7 forms the outside surface of the blade positioned at 6 o'clock and the inside surface of the blade positioned at 2 o'clock. Similarly component 8, which is identical to component 7, forms the outside surface of the blade at 2 o'clock and the inside surface of the blade at 10 o'clock. Similarly component 9 completes the main structure of the rotor. The exposed edges of all joining interfaces of components 7, 8 and 9 are secured by welding. Components 7, 8 and 9 are formed to leave a cavity of approximately triangular cross-section in the centre of the overall assembly as illustrated in Figure 8.A shaft 10 is a close fit in the central cavity and three equispaced radial projections are shown as an integral part of the shaft. The projections ensure that there is no relative rotation between shaft and rotor.

End caps 11 and 12 illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 respectively are positioned as shown in Figures 8 and 9. A bolt 1 3 is inserted through end cap 1 2 and threaded coaxially into the lower end of shaft 10. The main body of the rotor will be held securely when bolt 1 3 is screwed home pressing end cap 11 firmly against an upper shoulder on shaft 10.

Generally if the extension of shaft 10 is secured in bearings permitting the rotor to respond freely to the wave action of the sea, for instance, there will then arise a rotational output of constant direction. Apart from torque generated by the forward motion-of the waves it should be noted that the rotor is able to react to forces generated by the rise and fall of the water surface, which also contributes to the uni-directional output.

The rotor has two specific modes of operation, which can be seen with reference to Figure 8. Arrow F indicates the direction of the wave movement. The blade positioned at 6 o'clock responds by trapping the moving fluid on the inside of the flange, while the blade at 10 o'clock responds by deflecting the moving fluid from the outside ofthe flange. In accordance with the rotational positions of the blades, torque is developed in the direction R by both of the aforementioned modes of operation. The blade at 10 o'clock has the additional function of shielding the blade at 2 o'clock, thus minimising the effect of any counter torque as rotation proceeds in the direction R. With respect to the vertical movement of fluid through the rotor reference is made to both Figures 7 and 8.Rising fluid impinges on the outside surface of the three flanges causing rotation in the direction R, while falling fluid is trapped by the inside surfaces of the three flanges again causing rotation in the same direction R.

In the design of installations incorporating the omni-directional wave rotor, when the central shaft extends above the rotor as illustrated in Figure 7, the rotor may be supported from above the wave surface. As an alternative design arrangement the rotor may be supported from below the water surface, if the central shaft is made to extend below the rotor by reversing the shaft mounting shown in Figure 7. However, which-ever way the wave rotor is supported, the smaller diameter of the rotor should remain lowermost.

Figures 11 and 12 show a further embodi ment of the invention having four blades 14 formed integrally with a hub which itself is formed with journals 1 5 and 16 by which the rotor may be mounted for rotation. This embodiment has a more acute cone of revolution than the previous embodiments.

Claims

1. A rotor device arranged to convert fluid flow motion from any direction relative to the rotor, into rotary motion of the rotor, comprising a number of rotor blades extending from an axis,for rotation about that axis, each blade having an outer folded portion which is folded back to trail behind the blade in operation of the rotor, the fold line between the outer portion and the blade being angled relative to the axis so that it traces out a cone of revolution in operation.

2. A rotor device as claimed in Claim 1, in which each said blade is planar.

3. A rotor device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, in which each said outer portion is planar.

4. A rotor device as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the outer portions are folded back to include an acute angle with the respective blades behind the blade.

5. A rotor device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which said blades are formed integrally with a hub.

6. A rotor device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which said blades are attached to a separate hub.

7. A rotor device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4 in which said blades are formed from a double thickness of sheet material each thickness also forming a thickness of a further blade.

8. A rotor device as claimed in any preceding Claim in which the cone of revolution has an acute angled apex.

9. A rotor device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7 in which the cone of revolution has an obtuse angled apex.

10. A rotor device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.